Global Running Day is celebrated every year on the first Wednesday of June, highlighting the benefits of running. This year, it will be on June 5, 2024. Running strengthens muscles, boosts the immune system, and improves mood by alleviating symptoms of anxiety and stress.
This day emphasises the significance of running and its health benefits. It also celebrates the history of running, bringing together enthusiasts worldwide. Participating in marathons or races supporting various causes can be a great way to be a part of the movement.
First observed in 2009 as National Running Day in the United States, the event quickly gained global support, becoming the annual Global Running Day we celebrate today.
The Benefits Of Running
Running and jogging are widely popular forms of physical activity, attracting many due to their accessibility and low cost. This form of exercise has many health benefits, including stronger bones, improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strengthening, and effective calorie burning.
Additionally, running helps maintain a healthy weight and boosts overall physical and mental well-being.
Running Vs. Jogging
The primary difference between running and jogging lies in intensity. Running is faster, burns more kilojoules, and requires more cardiovascular effort compared to jogging. Both activities are excellent aerobic exercises, promoting efficient energy production by combining oxygen with blood glucose or body fat.
For beginners, starting with brisk walking and gradually progressing to jogging and running over a few months is advisable. Regular running can lead to improved mental health, self-confidence, and healthy ageing.
It is also essential to stay hydrated, wear appropriate footwear, and avoid overtraining to prevent injuries. Running with a friend or joining a local club can add a social element to this activity.
To enjoy the full benefits of running or jogging, maintain a balanced diet, avoid running during the hottest parts of the day, and ensure safety measures such as wearing reflective clothing and carrying a mobile phone.
Top 10 Apps For Runners 2024
1. NHS Couch to 5K
The Couch to 5K app is designed to help beginners gradually work up to running 5 kilometres in nine weeks. The app offers a choice of coaches, including celebrities like Jo Whiley, Sarah Millican, Sanjeev Kohli, and Steve Cram.
It helps users track their progress and stay motivated. The programme involves three runs per week, with rest days in between, starting with a mix of running and walking to build fitness and stamina gradually.
2. Garmin Connect
Garmin Connect is an app designed to track, analyse, and share health and fitness activities from your Garmin device. It displays vital health data and lets users customise their view.
The app offers detailed analysis, tracking weekly, monthly, and yearly health stats. Garmin Coach provides personalised workouts and coaching advice. Users can track various activities like running, swimming, and kayaking.
The app also creates community through step and distance challenges, group creation, and a badge feature for accomplishments.
3. Nike Run Club
The Nike Run Club App supports users in their running journey with tools to track, analyse, and improve their performance. It offers guided runs by professional athletes, personalised coaching, and wellness tips.
Users can plan routes, track progress with detailed statistics, and engage in community challenges. The app also allows integration with music services and tracking of shoe mileage.
Nike Run Club helps runners of all levels stay motivated and connected while pursuing their fitness goals.
4. Strava
Strava is an app that tracks and analyses running and cycling activities. It turns smartphones and GPS devices into advanced tracking tools, recording performance metrics like pace, distance, and heart rate.
Strava syncs with a wide range of devices and allows users to dive deep into their data. The app also functions as a social network, where athletes can share their activities, give kudos, and join clubs for group activities and competitions.
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5. Apple Fitness+
Apple Fitness+ is a fitness app available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Apple Watch. It offers 12 workout types, including HIIT, yoga, and meditation, suitable for all fitness levels.
Workouts range from 5 to 45 minutes and include real-time metrics from the Apple Watch. The app creates custom plans and allows for seamless transition between workouts.
It features the world’s largest library of 4K Ultra HD fitness content with new additions weekly, designed to keep users motivated and engaged.
6. Map My Run by Under Armour
MapMyRun is an app designed to help users achieve their fitness goals. It allows users to set goals, log workouts, and stay on track with training plans.
The app offers features like custom workouts for different distances, such as 5K or marathons, and provides detailed data and tips to improve running performance.
Users can join challenges, track their progress, and connect with a supportive community to stay motivated and achieve milestones.
7. Stride
Stride is a fitness app that combines running and walking with a strategy game. Users track their activities on a map, competing to control the most territory in their city or town.
The app encourages competition, collaboration, and exploration. Users can team up with friends, discover new places, and capture landmarks.
Stride rewards consistent activity rather than speed, allowing users to defend or capture territories by logging more activities than others.
8. Zombies, Run!
Zombies, Run! is a mobile fitness game that blends running with a gripping storyline. Players act as “Runner 5” in a series of missions, running to collect items and uncover mysteries around Abel Township during a zombie apocalypse.
The app tracks distance, time, and calories burned, with optional zombie chases that add excitement to the workout. Developed by Six to Start and Naomi Alderman, it offers over 500 missions and integrates with your music playlist.
9. Peloton
The Peloton App offers a versatile fitness experience with thousands of live and on-demand classes, including strength, yoga, cardio, cycling, and more.
Users can work out anywhere, at home, on the go, or at the gym. The app provides personalised plans, progress tracking, and social features to stay motivated.
Available on iOS, Android, desktop browsers, and various smart TVs, it supports third-party equipment and syncs with smartwatches.
10. Zwift
Zwift is an app that makes indoor cycling and running fun and engaging. It offers a range of features including exploring immersive worlds, structured training plans, and competitive events for all skill levels.
Users can join Zwift with a simple setup, connecting their equipment and choosing from various membership options. With Zwift, users can ride anytime, train effectively, and compete with others from the comfort of their own space.
It’s a versatile training tool suitable for cyclists and runners of all levels.
